$20,000 to tackle drought in Stanthorpe

August 31, 2020

An event to enhance economic recovery on the Granite Belt will become a reality, thanks to $20,000 secured through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together (TTTT) program, Maranoa MP David Littleproud said.

“It’s pleasing to see some great community-building projects in Maranoa will be supported through Round 17 of the TTTT program,” Mr Littleproud said.

“With an injection of $20,000, the Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail will be better equipped to deliver their Open Studios Event for 2020 which will reduce social isolation and enhance economic renewal and recovery in the region.

“The Stanthorpe and Granite Belt community has battled through a number of challenges over the last 12 months including ongoing drought, devastating bushfires and now COVID-19. That’s why the Granite Belt Art and Craft Trail Open Studios Event 2020 will be a huge boost for businesses and the community.”

Mr Littleproud said the projects supported through the program will help regional communities cope with the stress of the drought while stimulating economic activity and renewing local infrastructure.

“We are proud to continue supporting the Foundation’s important work at such a critical time, backing these local groups and their projects that will stimulate regional economies and strengthen social connections in drought-affected communities,” Mr Littleproud said.

“With money already flowing through rolling grants as part of our more than $8 billion drought support package, we are doing what it takes to help regional communities through these extremely difficult and stressful times.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said this latest injection of Government support came at a critical time.

“Whether through drought, bushfire or the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis, we are serious in our commitment to stand together with our regional communities to ensure they bounce back stronger than ever,” Mr McCormack said.

“That is why I am glad to see these grants providing much-needed support to our hard-hit regional communities at such a crucial time.”

Across Maranoa, six projects will be funded with $211,720 through Round 17 of the Tackling Tough Times Together program.

The Federal Government has committed over $1.1 million to support 30 individual projects nationwide in this round.

For more information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients, visit www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT